Huskers can make a statement against Oregon

Numerous preseason publications tabbed Nebraska as one of the nation’s most improved teams heading into this season. The Huskers have an opportunity to show why on Saturday. After jumping out to a 2-0 start with lopsided wins against teams they were supposed to beat the Huskers host 22nd ranked Oregon.

“It is a good opportunity because this is a national team and a team that has been good for a long time”, said Nebraska coach Mike Riley. “It will be a great opportunity for us to get a big win and that is what we are after.”

The Nebraska offense has displayed a strong running game and an explosive passing game and both will be needed to keep a high scoring Oregon offense on the sideline.

“It’s a big game”, said senior receiver Jordan Westerkamp. “They are a ranked opponent and it would be awesome for us as a program for us to beat them and get our name out there nationally.”

Riley hopes a noisy home crowd is a factor against Oregon’s no huddle offense.

“Let’s go, let’s get in cranked up”, added Riley. “It won’t be unusual for them to play in a big game in a big stadium so I don’t think we can count on that to be a factor but it can be a factor for sure.”

Kickoff in Memorial Stadium is 2:30 p.m. The game will be carried by ABC.